PSAC welcomes the federal government’s commitment to expand early retirement eligibility for frontline federal workers in the upcoming 2025 federal budget. 

Prime Minister Mark Carney announced today that amendments to the Public Service Superannuation Act will be included in the federal budget. These changes will ensure that frontline workers can retire with dignity after 25 years of service, without penalty. 

Workers expected to be covered by the legislation include frontline border services staff, Coast Guard search and rescue technicians, Parks Canada wildland firefighters, Department of National Defence firefighters on military bases, and correctional officers, paramedics and firefighters working for the three territorial governments. 

PSAC and component unions have long called for fair pension treatment for frontline workers, in line with benefits provided by other law enforcement and public safety agencies across the country. 

“We’re glad the government is following through on their platform promise to provide equitable retirement for frontline workers in the budget,” said PSAC National President Sharon DeSousa. “This must be one of the first orders of business after the budget passes so these essential workers can retire with dignity — now, not years from now.” 

“Frontline workers risk their lives every day to keep our communities safe,” said DeSousa. “After being forced to work longer than their peers for far too long, it’s time to finally deliver on this long-overdue promise and show that Canada truly values the people who protect it.” 

At a time when public safety agencies are struggling to recruit and retain personnel, amending the Public Service Superannuation Act will help ensure the federal government can attract and keep skilled, dedicated workers in vital roles. 

“This is extremely good news for our members,” said CIU National President Mark Weber. “Border officers work in demanding roles and face similar physical risks as other law enforcement officers. I am happy to see the federal government listening to unions and addressing this long-standing inequality.”

New border measures: A step in the right direction 

The October 17 announcement also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthen border operations — including hiring 1,000 additional Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers. The government also plans to raise the stipend for CBSA recruits attending the Agency’s college in Rigaud from $125 to $525 a week — another long-overdue improvement.  

PSAC expects that these steps signal that the federal government is ready to continue investing in frontline workers — and in the strong public services that keep our communities safe.